Lars Nootbaar Player Props: Mets vs Cardinals 8/5
Photo Credit: © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Game Summary
On August 5, 2024, the New York Mets will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. This matchup comes at a crucial time for both teams as they navigate the latter portion of the MLB season. The Mets currently hold a record of 57-55, sitting in the middle of the pack in the National League East. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are just a game ahead with a record of 58-53, fighting for a wild card spot in the National League.
Recent performances show that the Mets have had a mixed bag of results, with their last 10 games yielding a record of 5-5. The Cardinals have been slightly more favorable in their last stretch, boasting a 6-4 record over the same period. Both teams are looking to capitalize on this game to gain momentum heading into the final month of the season. Historically, the Mets and Cardinals have faced each other 12 times this season, with the Cardinals leading the series 7-5. The last meeting saw the Cardinals take a decisive 8-3 victory on July 31, adding to their winning momentum.
The weather is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 97°F, which could play a role in the hitting conditions. With both teams having potent lineups, it could be a high-scoring affair, making player props for batters like Lars Nootbaar particularly interesting.
Player Prop Odds
- Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+450)
- Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-160)
- Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+200)
- Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+130)
- Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+105)
- Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+190)
Player Analysis: Lars Nootbaar
Lars Nootbaar has been a solid contributor for the Cardinals this season. He is currently hitting .275 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities has made him a valuable asset in the Cardinals' lineup. Nootbaar's recent form has been impressive, as he has recorded multiple hits in several games leading up to this matchup. His batting average against right-handed pitchers stands at .283, making him a threat against Mets' righty Andre Pallante.
Opposing Analysis
The New York Mets' pitching staff has struggled at times this season, particularly against left-handed hitters. Andre Pallante, who will be starting for the Mets, has a 4.04 ERA and has allowed a batting average of .275 against left-handed batters. This could bode well for Nootbaar, who thrives against such pitchers. The Mets' bullpen has also been inconsistent, adding further opportunity for Nootbaar to capitalize on scoring chances throughout the game.
Pitching Probables
| Player | W-L | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Pallante (NYM) | 4-5 | 4.04 | 49 |
| Sean Manaea (STL) | 7-4 | 3.50 | 112 |
Team Previews
New York Mets
The New York Mets have had an up-and-down season, currently sitting with a 57-55 record. With a batting average of .245, they rank 13th in the league. Key players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso have been instrumental in their offensive efforts. The Mets' pitching has been average, with a team ERA of 4.08, which places them middle-of-the-pack. Their bullpen has been effective, with 38 saves, tied for first in the league.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have a slightly better record at 58-53. They have scored 537 runs this season, ranking 8th in the league. The team's hitting has been led by players like Nolan Gorman and Lars Nootbaar. The Cardinals' pitching has seen improvements with a team ERA of 4.15. Their bullpen has also garnered 30 saves, showing their ability to close out games effectively.
Team Injuries
| Player | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Reid-Foley | RP | Expected to be out until at least Aug 5 |
| Drew Rom | SP | Expected to be out until at least Sep 15 |
| Mike Siani | CF | Expected to be out until at least Aug 30 |
Recent Games
New York Mets
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| @ Minnesota | W15-2 | W |
| @ Minnesota | W2-0 | W |
| @ Atlanta | L4-0 | L |
| @ Atlanta | L9-2 | L |
| vs Atlanta | W3-2 | W |
St. Louis Cardinals
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Texas | W10-1 | W |
| vs Texas | W8-1 | W |
| vs Washington | L14-3 | L |
| vs Washington | W4-3 | W |
| @ Chicago | L6-2 | L |
Prediction
Pick: Over 0.5 Hits for Lars Nootbaar (-160)
Reasoning: Given Nootbaar's solid performance against right-handed pitchers, his current form, and the Mets' struggles with Pallante on the mound, betting on Nootbaar to record at least one hit seems like a strong play. The odds also reflect a favorable expectation for his performance.
